Ghent University (UGent) allegedly covered up a case of misconduct involving a well-known professor, according to a book set to be released on Wednesday, Humo reported on Monday.
In her book Academic Sociability, Hilde Van Liefferinge recounts an incident involving her PhD supervisor that occurred while she was working as an assistant on her doctorate. She does not name herself or the professor, but it appears to involve a PhD assistant at UGent’s Political Science department, and the professor is still a frequent guest on television.
Van Liefferinge describes an episode that began as a hug but quickly escalated into a grip and then to severe unwanted advances.
Humo reports that over 15 years, multiple complaints were lodged against the professor, accusing him of harassment, abuse of power, physical misconduct, plagiarism, falsification of exam results, poor supervision, and derogatory remarks.
At least five members of his research team sought help from UGent’s confidential advisor over the years.
Despite these complaints, UGent took no action other than asking the professor to stay away from his department for a year, Humo claims. The professor did not respond to Humo’s request for a comment.
Later on Monday, UGent professor of political science Carl Devos announced through his lawyer that he was going to take legal action over the publication of the book.
In the book, Devos is not mentioned by name, but quite a few elements seem to refer to him. His lawyer Sanne De Clerck therefore states that Devos' reputation is being damaged "in a far-reaching and unacceptable way."
"We are taking legal action against the book. This is a case of defamation. We will have the debate where it belongs: in court."
